British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday issued a sweeping stay-at-home order for the entire country, banning people from leaving their homes except in "very limited" instances during the coronavirus pandemic.

Monday night's announcement came as the number of United Kingdom deaths from coronavirus hit 335, while there were 6,650 confirmed cases.

'Though huge numbers are complying - and I thank you all - the time has now come for us all to do more, ' Mr Johnson said.

The Prime Minister said Britons will only be allowed to leave their home for four reasons: shopping for basics, exercising once a day, travelling to or from work, to care for a vulnerable person or attend an urgent medical appointment.

Police will be able to enforce the rules, and impose fines for people who do not abide by them. Businesses that will not need to close include: *Restaurants, cafes and work canteens - but only for food delivery and takeaway services *Supermarkets and other premises selling food, including market stalls *"Health shops" such as pharmacies *Petrol stations, garages and vehicle rental businesses *Bicycle shops *Home and hardware shops *Launderettes and dry cleaners *Pet shops *Corner shops, newsagents and post offices *Banks Other premises including libraries, non-essential shops, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and places of worship have been ordered to close.

Johnson ordered people to stay home, effective this evening, except in certain circumstances.

According to reports, the Nursing and Midwifery Council has written to more than 50,000 nurses whose registration lapsed in the last three years.

In a public address from 10 Downing Street, Prime Minister Johnson described the pandemic as "the biggest threat (the country) has faced in decades".

"We will keep these restrictions under constant review". And responding to the visibly high use of parks and the London Underground during the outbreak, London Mayor Sadiq Khan implored people to stay at home unless they "absolutely need to" move about the city.

"We will stop all gatherings of more than two people in public - excluding people you live with", he continued.

'Because the critical thing we must do is stop the disease spreading between households'. All public places including gyms, restaurants, retail stores, pubs, libraries, parks and playgrounds are closed and all social events halted.

In the same news conference, Robert Jenrick, the communities secretary, said about 1.5 million people in England with underlying medical conditions will be sent a letter from the government directing them to self-quarantine for 12 weeks. "The way ahead is hard.many lives will sadly be lost". More images on social media of commuters squeezed into train carriages on the London Underground early on Monday morning merely added to these concerns.

And I know that as they have in the past so many times, the people of this country will rise to that challenge and we will come through it stronger than ever.